Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Salem is 12% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 6%
$71,900/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 21%
$382,400 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 34%
$1,440/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↑ 2%
176,666
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.99%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $15,316/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Salem or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $15,316/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Connecticut?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Bridgeport

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton